The IPL 2026 auction will take place later this year: here’s all you need to know about the IPL auction date, venue, retention and other details.
Official dates for the 2026 IPL auction aren’t out yet, but according to multiple reports, the event is likely to be held in the second or third week of December. A Cricbuzz report predicts December 13-15 to be the tentative window for the IPL 2026 auction.
The last two auctions were held overseas – in Dubai (IPL 2024) and Jeddah (IPL 2025). There’s no official update on the venue for the IPL 2026 auction yet, but according to the Cricbuzz report, “franchise sources suggest that it would not be a surprise if the BCCI decides to hold the mini-auction in India itself”.
The last IPL auction to be held in India was the IPL 2023 mini-auction, which was held in Kochi.
The IPL 2026 auction is supposed to be a mini-auction. The last mega-auction was held last year, when teams saw major reshuffles in personnel.
Unlike mega-auctions, teams are free to retain as many members of their squad as they wish, including every single player if it suits their needs. However, if teams want to buy other players, they would need to free up funds and slots in the squad by releasing players.
Cricbuzz reports the retention deadline to be November 15, although official confirmation is awaited. Teams would need to hand in the list of players they want to release by the deadline.
Also Read: IPL 2026 player trades: What are the rules for players to switch teams?
Chennai Super Kings have already freed up INR 9.75 crore following the retirement of R Ashwin. Speculations are they could release a few more big names, including the likes of Sam Curran, Deepak Hooda, and Devon Conway.
Trade news around Sanju Samson was the talk of the town not long back. It’s unclear as of now if Rajasthan Royals would end up releasing their captain or not, but this would be a space to watch out for.
Also read: IPL 2026 trades, live updates: Which players are switching teams? All the news so far
Venkatesh Iyer, who was bought for INR 23.75 crore by Kolkata Knight Riders, could also be released and might attract another huge bid in the mini-auction where demand is generally more than supply.
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